SAN DIEGO — The Chargers' roster was renovated during the offseason, bringing a heightened level of excitement to the first day of full-squad training camp practices.​

Much of the talk centered around veteran acquisitions such as linebacker Jarret Johnson and receivers Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal. But, in Antonio Gates' mind, the Chargers made additions by subtraction.

"There were times where guys would get complacent because they had a situation where they do have a big contract or a big signing bonus coming up, and this team has definitely gotten rid of all the prima donnas," Gates said Thursday. "We have a group of guys who go to work each day and want to earn the right to be a San Diego Charger."

Though he didn't name names, Gates could only be referring to the few players who were released or left through free agency. That list includes receiver Vincent Jackson, whose contract status was a major distraction in recent seasons. Jackson signed a five-year, $55 million deal with Tampa Bay in the offseason.

Gates said that the team culture is a different than in years past.

"There's definitely been a change around here," he said. "There is a sense of urgency to everything we do. When you look at each position, you have a handful of guys who can make plays. Competition is high, and it makes the No. 1 guy stay on his game and stay committed. Whether you're a starter or a backup, you're held accountable for everything you do."

Chargers coach Norv Turner also admitted that it's nice to go into a training camp that started drama free, with everyone pulling in the same direction.

"This is as good as I've felt heading into a training camp," Turner said. "The last two years we've had a lot of things that were distractions. ... This group has a real strong presence, with a lot of veterans who know what it means to prepare the right way."

The purge started a couple years back, Tomlinson, Merriman, Cro, come to mind at first thought. Gates might be alluding to the fact the cycle is now closer to complete than it was going into last season.

Like to hear this, especially from a guy that is a bone fide GUN ....................... some of us knew of these "primma donna's" many moons ago, funny how so many here are willing to admit it now, well after the facts or after a team member actually makes it common knowledge.

Merriman, Cromartie, LT, Jackson, McMuffin, Osgood, etc etc were all more interested in self-glory than the team aspect, now lets hope we have a few more who truely are interested in playing in a team concept and creating a winning chemistry that's capable of much better performances on the field.